As we put the final preparations in place for this year’s race, we’re sharing “26 Tips for 26.2 Miles” to make sure you’re ready to go on race day. Click here to read them all, or follow along on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram.
It’s not going to rain.
It’s not going to rain.
It’s not going to rain.
And no heat wave, either!
The Nationwide Children’s Hospital Columbus Marathon & ½ Marathon has had only a trace of rain over the last 14 years. We would be more than happy to keep that streak; we also live in Ohio where weather can and does quickly change.
The most important thing our race team can do is keep athletes, volunteers and spectators as safe as possible during Race Day. Dangerous weather conditions pose a challenge to that mission. As a result, following is our Emergency Action Plan:
Safety is #1
The Nationwide Children’s Hospital Columbus Marathon & 1/2 Marathon puts the safety of its participants, spectators, staff and volunteers first.
Know the Alert Levels
The flag system at each aid station will advise you of course conditions ahead.
- Green = Good conditions
- Yellow = Moderate conditions
- Red = Potentially dangerous conditions
- Black = Extreme conditions and event cancellation
Know the Possible Responses
One of five possible options in response to unsafe conditions on the course will be determined by race officials in consultation with law enforcement, fire/EMS and other officials and communicated promptly with athletes, spectators and volunteers:
- Delay the event before the start
- Pause the event and resume when conditions are safe
- Pause the event and cancel if conditions do not improve within a reasonable amount of time
- Modify the course to shorten the event or avoid unsafe conditions
- Cancel the event prior to the start
Seek Shelter
In the event of dangerous weather, adverse conditions or race cancellation, please seek shelter immediately. All Police and Fire Personnel, as well as Water Stop and Course officials, can direct you to the nearest shelter and emergency transportation pick-up zones.
Stay Informed
Sign up for RT/RT.me Mobile App and enable alerts to be directly notified of changes in course conditions and emergency actions.
How we Determine What Actions to Take
Weather forecasts will be monitored prior to the event, with special attention placed on the possibility of heavy rain, thunder and lightning, high winds and extreme temperatures. If necessary, athletes will be made aware of these conditions and possible dangers which could result on the Nationwide Children’s Hospital Columbus Marathon website (www.columbusmarathon.com), as well as through other means of communication such as e-mail, Twitter, Facebook, Real-Time Race-Tracking and public address announcements.
The Race Director and Medical Director, in consultation with law enforcement, fire/EMS and other officials, will monitor the weather and make a decision if any action will be taken to modify the race. Possible changes include: Altering the start time or in extreme situations, cancellation of the event. Visible lightning will cause the race to be postponed for a minimum of 30 minutes. Additional sightings will continue to delay the race in 30-minute increments.
If extremely high heat and humidity is predicted, extra water will be provided to the athletes, both prior to, during and after the event. The medical team will be alerted that athletes may require additional medical attention during and after the event due to these conditions. If it is felt that it is unsafe for participants to start the race due to severe temperatures and humidity, the race may be cancelled.
Race personnel reserve the right to delay, cancel, or suspend the race due to inclement weather. Participants must abandon the race if ordered to do so by the race personnel, medical staff, fire or police personnel.
If possible, athletes should check the marathon website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and RTRT for weather updates prior to or during the race, as well as take note of the color-coded race conditions signage at each mile marker.
Have additional questions? Let us know in the comments below, or share with us on Facebook and Twitter, and we’ll be sure to get them answered!
COLUMBUS MARATHON BLOG 